Retail and Business

Chairman: Gareth Gammon

PRESS RELEASE - Meeting 12th September

Peterfield’s businesses express their views on the Market Square

Over 30 independent retailers attended a meeting at the Square Brewery to discuss the future of Petersfield’s market square. The event, organised by the Retail and Business Group of Petersfield Tomorrow was in response to the earlier consultation amongst residents which showed that 80% of all respondents agreed that there “should be an increase in the range of activities in the Town Square”.

While the recent Bank Holiday festivities held in the Market Square in Petersfield have demonstrated how the Square can be used, there is a variety of opinion within the business community as to the long-term strategy for developing the Square as an asset to benefit all local businesses.

Issues raised included organising more community events, effective marketing and communication, car parking and access as well as ensuring engagement with the business engagement. The facilitated debate also raised the issue of pedestrianisation of the High Street. Feedback from the event will be collated and will be used to support Petersfield Tomorrow’s action plan for the Market Square.

Gareth Gammon, local businessman and Chairman of the Retail and Business Group of Petersfield Tomorrow says “I was delighted by the number of local independent retailers and business people who contributed to the debate on this valuable Petersfield asset. This meeting is the first organised by Petersfield Tomorrow to tackle the Market Square issue and the feedback we input made by local businesses will provide the foundation for future discussions. “